Issue 781 – Forest Walk – June 20, 2022
I was in my teens and out hunting grouse by myself. I had walked farther than I realized, and the sun was setting when I turned back. I wasn’t concerned about getting lost; I had walked down an old overgrown country road and simply had to walk back to get out to my truck.
I started back at a leisurely pace, enjoying the final rays of the setting sun. I hadn’t gone far when darkness began to settle in quickly. Until then, I had been enjoying the colour of the turning leaves, the smell of fresh outdoor air and the crisp feel of autumn.
As it got darker, I began to feel like the little boy who whistles going past the graveyard so he can convince himself he’s not afraid. I think I might have even whistled for a bit.
As it grew darker, my senses heightened, and every rustle in the bush and every tree creak magnified itself in my mind. Before long, my heart was pounding with self-generated fear. Wolves, bears and other unimaginable horrors were waiting for me just off the edge of the road. I broke into a run and bolted as fast as possible to get off that road. I desperately wanted to be back at the truck.
A grouse flushed out in front of me. I thought my heart was going to burst. A squirrel chattered as I ran by. It seemed to be laughing at me.
When I got out to the blacktop, caught my breath and collected my thoughts, I had to laugh at myself. I had been up and down that road many times and knew it was a safe place. I had simply let my imagination get the better of me. I was in no danger from any of the things I had imagined. Even if the predators had been real, there was minimal risk of being attacked.
Our minds are wonderful things. They can also be the breeding place for all kinds of things. In this case, it was fear for no reason, but it can also be sin.
Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.
James 1:13-15
We have a passing thought. That thought is simply temptation; it isn’t sin. Then, we begin to dwell on the idea, and the sin builds. We begin to plan our rebellion and how we’ll bring it about. Suddenly we’ve “slipped” into sin.
We need to be vigilant at all times. We need to take captive our thoughts.
Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12:2
We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ
2 Corinthians 10:5
God is a God who forgives, but we still have a responsibility to take control of our own minds and actions (in His power).
Until next time, may your thoughts be of heavenly things and growing God’s kingdom here on earth instead of on the too fertile ground for fear and sin.
Hallelu Yah (Praise God)
Be blessed
Kevin.
Gleanings From The Word.
Experience an extraordinary God in ordinary life.
Soli Deo Gloria (for the glory of God alone.)
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